Facing sharp criticism over the inclusion of his son, Deepak Prakash, in the Nitish Kumar Cabinet, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) national president Upendra Kushwaha has termed the decision a "necessary compulsion" to safeguard the party's future and existence.

In a detailed Facebook post on Friday, Kushwaha addressed the accusations of nepotism head-on, describing the move as an unavoidable step to prevent the party from being reduced to "zero" again.

'Understand My Compulsion'

Responding to critics, Kushwaha wrote, "If you have categorised our decision as nepotism, then please understand my compulsion." He explained that the step was essential to maintain the party's survival, stating that he could not publicly analyse every reason behind the move.

He drew a metaphor from mythology, stating, "Both nectar and poison emerge from the churning of the ocean. Some people have to drink the poison. With the current decision, the accusation of nepotism will be levelled against me. Despite knowing and understanding this, the decision had to be taken, which for me was equivalent to drinking poison."

Lessons Form The Past

Kushwaha justified the move by citing historical political lessons. He recalled how, in the past, the party had to take unpopular decisions like mergers, which were widely criticised. He noted that despite struggles and the emergence of MPs and MLAs, people would win on the party ticket and then defect, leaving the organisation empty-handed.

"The bag remained empty. We reached zero. It was essential to think so that such a situation does not arise again," he stated. He argued that without this specific decision, any other alternative could have led the party back to an existential crisis. "It was not appropriate to open up the option of reaching zero through our own steps."

Defense Of Deepak Prakash

The RLM chief also strongly defended his son’s credentials, rejecting the notion that he is undeserving.

Qualifications: Kushwaha highlighted that Deepak Prakash is a computer science engineer who earned his degree through hard work and possesses "good values."

Capability: "He is not a student who has failed in a school class," Kushwaha remarked.

He urged the public and critics to judge Deepak based on capability and merit rather than caste or family lineage. "Be patient, give him some time. He will live up to your expectations and trust. He will definitely show it," he appealed.

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Message To Critics

Addressing critics he termed as "prejudiced," Kushwaha noted, "Their problem is simply that I have survived again." He concluded by asserting that while it is difficult to make tough decisions that risk one's popularity, he prioritized the insistence on saving the party above all else.

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